Tag Archives: Francesco Pittau

Let’s face it….kids like disgusting things. No, they LOVE disgusting things. And the more it makes our stomachs turn as adults, the more kids like it. They love to be grossed out, plain and simple. I was thinking about this as I ponder getting my niece something yucky for Christmas (I won’t spoil the surprise, but it gives me the willies just thinking about it…she’ll LOVE it, however). And then I came across a new book aimed at really little ones called, That’s Disgusting! by Francesco Pittau and Bernadette Gervais.

One look inside and you’ll know that this is the perfect book to make most of us squirm, but kids will want to hear and read this over and over. Each page has a simple drawing depicting something disgusting (drinking bathwater or hiding boogers under the table), and the face page holds the words “That’s Disgusting!”. Not only will the kids laugh and want to look at the pictures, but this book allows for participation as they shout “that’s disgusting” each time. Okay, now I warn you…the book goes WAY over the top and it might not be for everyone (pooping in the bathtub is NOT the worst thing in this book), but it will appeal to a certain group of people who can find the humour in this.

There are two more books in the series called “That’s Mean” and “That’s Dangerous” and one can only imagine what they might include. But, it’s also a great way to start dialogue with the little ones as to things that society considers disgusting, mean or dangerous. But be prepared, have the stomach for it, and get the point across that these things really are disgusting…and therefore, not acceptable. I think that’s the most important lesson to be taught in these books. Kids might find them funny and re-readable, but they also need to take the right lesson from it. And the best picture books do just that….give a lesson without preaching.